Emenalo left Chelsea last November, eventually joining Monaco, and the club are yet to replace him, with director Marina Granovskaia taking on his key responsibilities.

Granovskaia has been in sole charge of transfers and the club’s loanees over the past two transfer windows since Emenalo’s departure, having shelved the process to replace him.

Chelsea decided to prioritise their managerial situation and player trading ahead of replacing Emenalo with somebody who might need time to feel their way into the job.

But with the appointment of new head coach Maurizio Sarri now complete and the summer transfer window drawing to a close, with the European and Football League loan window shutting at the end of August, Chelsea will seriously consider their options.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has taken on the responsibilities in the absence of a technical directorCredit:
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Despite insisting he takes no interest in transfers, it is understood Sarri would like to work closely with whoever Chelsea appoint and may favour a candidate who speaks Italian if he gets any say over the matter.

But it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea hire a like-for-like replacement for Emenalo or change the job specification, as Granovskaia will continue to take the lead over player transfer and contract negotiations.

Whatever their title, somebody is needed to help oversee and plan all the loans, while providing a link between the Academy, first-team and boardroom. Kenneth Omeruo became the 31st player to leave Chelsea on loan by joining Leganes for the season.

Some of the options for Chelsea to consider are Football Association technical director Dan Ashworth, who is understood to be interested in a return to club football, former players Juliano Belletti and Michael Ballack, and Monchi – the director of football at Roma.

Chelsea have also been approached by a number of people interested in the post and have held informal talks with those interested.

More serious talks are now likely to take place over the coming weeks, as it becomes clearer exactly how Chelsea intend to replace Emenalo and what responsibilities his successor will be given.

Reports that Manchester United want to appoint a director of football could also focus Chelsea’s hunt, as the two clubs may be interested in similar targets.

Ashworth and Monchi have both been mentioned as potential targets for United, along with Edwin van der Sar and former Tottenham Hotspur director of football Paul Mitchell, who is currently working for RB Leipzig.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Victor Moses has announced his decision to retire from international football – aged 27.

Chelsea's Victor Moses announced his retirement from international football with Nigeria at 27 Credit:
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Moses was part of Nigeria’s World Cup squad in Russia, but released a statement that said: “I would like to announce that after much thought I have made the decision to retire from playing international football.

“I have experienced some of the best moments of my life wearing the Super Eagles shirt and have memories that will last a lifetime. Nothing will ever compete to what it felt like to represent Nigeria on behalf of our country.

“However I feel that now is the right time to step away in order to be able to focus fully on my club career and my young family as well as to allow the next generation of Super Eagles stars the opportunity to step up and flourish. We are blessed as a nation to have so many exciting young players coming through and now is their time.”

Moses has lost his place in Chelsea’s team, following Sarri’s switch back to a back four which means his right wing-back position is now redundant.